Several European countries have legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use. The legality and regulations surrounding cannabis vary greatly across different countries in Europe. Here is a brief overview of some of the countries that have legalized cannabis:
Netherlands:
The Netherlands is famously known for its "coffee shops," where cannabis can be purchased and consumed legally for recreational use. However, the production and distribution of cannabis remain illegal in the Netherlands.
Spain:
Spain has decriminalized the possession and consumption of cannabis for personal use. However, the production and sale of cannabis are illegal, and the laws surrounding the use of cannabis are different across different regions.
Portugal:
Portugal decriminalized the use of all drugs in 2001, including cannabis. Possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use is no longer considered a criminal offense, and instead, individuals are referred to treatment or education programs.
Germany:
Germany legalized medical cannabis in 2017, and it is available by prescription through pharmacies. However, recreational use of cannabis remains illegal in Germany.
Italy:
Italy legalized medical cannabis in 2013, and it is available with a prescription. The cultivation of small amounts of cannabis for personal use is also allowed in Italy.
Switzerland:
In Switzerland, cannabis with less than 1% THC is legal and sold as a tobacco substitute. Medical cannabis is also legal and can be obtained with a prescription.
Czech Republic:
The Czech Republic legalized medical cannabis in 2013, and it is available with a prescription. Possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use is also decriminalized in the country.
Malta:
Malta legalized medical cannabis in 2018, and it is available by prescription. However, recreational use of cannabis is still illegal in Malta.
Luxembourg:
Luxembourg recently became the first country in Europe to legalize recreational cannabis. The law will come into effect in 2022 and will allow individuals to possess and purchase cannabis for personal use.
Additionally, Many countries outside of Europe have legalized or decriminalized cannabis to varying degrees. Here is a list of countries which have shifted policy in the last decade.
Canada:
Canada legalized cannabis for recreational use in 2018. Adults are allowed to possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public, and the government controls the sale and distribution of cannabis through licensed retailers.
United States:
Several states in the US have legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use, including California, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon. However, cannabis is still illegal at the federal level in the US.
Uruguay:
Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize cannabis for recreational use in 2013. The government controls the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis in the country.
Argentina:
Argentina decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use in 2009. Medical cannabis is also legal in Argentina.
Jamaica:
Jamaica decriminalized the possession of up to 2 ounces of cannabis for personal use in 2015. The country also allows for the cultivation and use of cannabis for religious purposes.
Israel:
Israel legalized medical cannabis in the early 2000s and has since become a leader in cannabis research and innovation.
Australia:
Medical cannabis is legal in Australia and can be obtained with a prescription. Some states in Australia have also decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use.
Mexico:
In 2021, Mexico decriminalized the possession of up to 28 grams of cannabis for personal use. The country is also in the process of legalizing recreational cannabis.
And finally the United Kingdom
In the UK, cannabis is currently a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This means that it is illegal to possess, produce, supply, or import/export cannabis in any form, including for medical or recreational use.
However, there have been some recent developments in the UK regarding cannabis. In 2018, the government legalized medical cannabis for patients with exceptional clinical need, meaning that it can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor for certain medical conditions that have not responded to other treatments.
Additionally, some police forces in the UK have adopted a "soft approach" to cannabis possession, meaning that individuals caught with small amounts of cannabis for personal use may not face prosecution. However, this varies between different police forces and is not a formal change in the law.
There have also been calls for the UK government to legalize cannabis for recreational use, but as of now, there are no plans to do so. The possession, production, and supply of cannabis in the UK remains illegal and can result in criminal charges and penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
It's important to note that the laws surrounding cannabis use can vary greatly between countries, and even between states or provinces within a country. It's always a good idea to research and understand the laws and regulations surrounding cannabis use in any area before consuming or purchasing it.
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